THE majority of the population may be double jabbed and the country is at alert level zero – but authorities in Powys are warning people that coronavirus cases in parts of the county are among the highest in Wales.

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) says cases in north Powys are rising rapidly in the 40+ age group, while the local authority is also concerned.

Four new cases were reported in Welshpool today (Tuesday, August 17) and while that is low compared to Rhyl North in Denbighshire, where 11 new cases were discovered, and 10 in the Llandough and Cogan region of the Vale of Glamorgan, the concern of both organisations shows that despite the monumental success of the vaccination programme in Powys, the virus is still prevalent.

PTHB said: “Covid cases in north Powys are rising rapidly in the 40+ age group. This is worrying as they're at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.

“Wear masks, maintain distance, stay safe. Self-isolate and get a test if you/anyone in your household has symptoms.”

Powys County Council added: “Coronavirus cases in some parts of north Powys are among the highest in Wales.

“The vaccine offers protection but you could still pass the virus onto others who haven’t been vaccinated. Please do your bit to protect those around you.”

Although Powys is one of the least affected area in Wales – Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf with 780 total cases is listed 78th among areas in the country worst hit – some regions of Powys have become hot spots in recent days.

Welshpool’s four cases today puts their seven-day average at six cases – which is joint fifth in Wales. Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth reported no new cases today but their seven-day average is also six, with four cases reported in Newtown North and three in Llanfair Caereinion and Caersws and also Llanfyllin and Llanwyddyn (with all three cases reported today) during the same period.

Also, in terms of the R rate (latest reproduction number and growth rate of coronavirus), Hay and Talgarth’s reading of 3.500 is fifth highest in Wales. Knighton and Presteigne’s is 2.750 (16th) and Welshpool’s 2.333 (25th).

In Powys, Llandrindod Wells is the area to have recorded the fewest Covid cases – with 188 in total. Machynlleth and Banwy (193) and Abermule, Churchstoke and Kerry (199) are also among the least affected.

You can still do your bit to eradicate Covid. Book an appointment today at http://gov.wales/covidvaccine. To find out more about the virus locally, visit https://pthb.nhs.wales/.